Guide
A document has to be attested,
notarised or translated
A paper from one country is not automatically believed in another. Attestation is the chain of stamps that makes it believed. Which stamps, and in what order, depends on where the paper was made and where it has to be used. This page shows the shape of the chain.
Where this applies This page covers papers made in Pakistan for use abroad, and papers made abroad for use in Pakistan. What the country you live in asks for is decided by that country, and it is not the same everywhere.
What this is about
There are two chains. A paper made in Pakistan is usually attested by the issuing office, then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and for countries in the apostille arrangement the apostille replaces the embassy step. A paper made abroad usually goes the other way: the foreign office there, then the Pakistani mission, then it can be used in Pakistan.
Translation is a separate step, and it matters who did it. Many offices only accept a translation from a translator they recognise.
What has to be in place
What has to be clear before you start.
Which paper, made where, for use where.
Whether the country involved is in the apostille arrangement.
Whether the paper is original or a copy, because copies are often not accepted.
Note Your advocate confirms which of these apply to your case.
The documents you will be asked for
What you will be asked for.
- The original document.
- Your identity document.
- A power of attorney if someone attests it for you in Pakistan.
How an advocate helps from where you are
What an advocate does.
- Tells you the exact chain for your paper, so nothing is stamped twice or in the wrong order.
- Takes a Pakistani paper through the offices in Pakistan and sends it to you.
- Arranges a translation the receiving office will accept.
What to ask before you agree
- What is the exact chain for this paper, office by office?
- Is the country involved in the apostille arrangement, and does that change the chain?
- Will the receiving office accept the translation you arrange?
- What do you need from me, and by when?
- What is your fee, and what is not included in it?
More in Papers and signatures
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I need someone in Pakistan to act for mePapers and signatures
Also relevant
Words you will meet
- attestation
- The stamp that confirms a document is genuine.
- apostille
- A single certificate that replaces the embassy step between countries in the arrangement.
- notary
- A person authorised to certify a signature or a copy.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The office in Pakistan that attests documents for use abroad.
Written
11 September 2026
Pakistan.